Opportunities for innovative agribusiness establishment along major Agricultural Value Chains in Benin's Agricultural Development Poles

The overall objective of this study was to build a technical and economic data base on agribusiness opportunities in the major Agricultural Value Chains (AVC) of the seven Agricultural Development Poles (ADP), as set in the Government's Agricultural Program. Specifically, it was to (i) determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each major AVC; (ii) conduct a comprehensive literature review and critical analysis of agribusiness establishment’s opportunities in the major AVCs for young graduates; (iii) conduct a techno-economic analysis of agribusiness opportunities for young graduates along the major agricultural value chains; and (iv) propose approaches (package of support services) for integrating young graduates into major AVCs. As regarding the methodology, the mission adopted a participatory approach that emphasizes accelerated participatory research methods. At the operational level, eight major complementary steps were followed: (i) methodological framing session, (ii) literature review and secondary data collection; (iii) data collection tools development; (iv) field data collection; (v) data analysis; (vi) mid-term feedback; (vii) report writing; and (viii) restitution and finalization of the mission report. From the analyzes carried out, the following conclusions emerge. - Three types of sectors have been defined, regarding their potential to provide innovative agribusiness opportunities. These include sectors with: (i) high potential, (ii) medium potential and (iii) low potential. Then, AVC were prioritized to keep the most promising chains (two or three) in terms of innovative agribusiness opportunities. The chains prioritization has been done by sector and by ADP. This would facilitate the orientation of youths on relevant agribusiness opportunities. Their success in the business will, however, depend on the originality of the business idea, their degree of motivation to carry the business, and the facilities and opportunities that characterize the business environment.